Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A hiker's footprint along the Tortuga Trail In the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Jon Wienand of Cave Creek, hikes along the Spur Cross Trail in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Jon Wienand of Cave Creek, hikes along the Spur Cross Trail in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Maricopa Trail runs through the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Robert Koby of Vancouver, Canada, hikes along the Spur Cross Trail in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

C.J. Stevens of Gilbert, hikes along the Spur Cross Trail in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Tortuga Trail In the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area outside of Cave Creek on November 14, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Ford Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park outside Waddell on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Mesquite Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park outside Waddell on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Mesquite Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park outside Waddell on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Marlene Reister of Waddell and Bruce McIntyre of Buckeye hike on the Mesquite Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park outside Waddell on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Molly Petrzelka, 20, of Surprise, and Abraham Jimenez, 21, of Avondale, hike on the Mesquite Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountain Regional Park outside Waddell on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cactus along the Stargazer Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A saguaro along the Stargazer Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A hiker's footprint along the San Tan Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cacti along the Littleleaf Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A sign for the Maricopa Trail that runs through the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Heather Blanche (right) of Gilbert, leads family members (from right) Taylor Kappus of Philadelphia, Tom Kappus of Washington, N.J., and Tracey Kappus, also of Washington, N.J., for a hike on the San Tan Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Pete Pawlowski of San Tan Valley, hikes along the Moonlight Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Pete Pawlowski of San Tan Valley, hikes along the Moonlight Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cholla cactus along the Stargazer Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cactus along the Stargazer Trail in the San Tan Mountain Regional Park outside of Queen Creek on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A saguaro along the Rainbow Valley Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Trail runners along the Rainbow Valley Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sunset as seen along the Saddle Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Quail Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cacti along the Toothaker Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A fallen over saguaro along the Toothaker Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sights along the Toothaker Trail in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear on November 15, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A hiker along the Skyline Crest Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Rick Hinckley and his daughter, Rainey Hinckley, 19, of Goodyear, look on from the top of the Crest Summit in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Linda Meder of Waddell, hikes along the Crest Summit Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Chollas along the Skyline Crest Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Linda Meder of Waddell, hikes along the Skyline Crest Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sunrise as seen along the Quartz Mine Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sunrise as seen along the Quartz Mine Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sunrise as seen along the Quartz Mine Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sunrise as seen along the Quartz Mine Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Sunrise as seen along the Quartz Mine Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Hikers along the Skyline Crest Trail in the Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

An American Flag along the top of hill on the Cholla Loop Trail in the Glendale Thunderbird Conservation Park on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Derik Hines of Glendale hikes on the Cholla Loop Trail in the Glendale Thunderbird Conservation Park on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A hiker on the Cholla Loop Trail in the Glendale Thunderbird Conservation Park on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Amy Hoeptner of Tolleson and Eric Bradley of Phoenix hike on the Cholla Loop Trail in the Glendale Thunderbird Conservation Park on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Saguaros along the Cholla Loop Trail in the Glendale Thunderbird Conservation Park on November 17, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The view looking out from Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cacti along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The mailbox on the summit of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The survey marker on the summit of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Mitch Keith of Cleveland, Ohio, and Claire Orman of Tempe, hike along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A trail marker along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Saguaros stands before Picketpost Mountain along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Saguaros stands before Picketpost Mountain along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Jon Houf of Scottsdale and Jessica Sedei of Scottsdale, hike along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Niki Hour of Scottsdale hikes along the Picketpost Summit Trail to the top of Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The view looking out from Picketpost Mountain in the Tonto National Forest outside of Superior on November 13, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, looks on, on the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Siphon Draw Trail starting from the Lost Dutchman State Park leads to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Arlen Frye of Phoenix, hikes down the route from the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Hikers hike the Siphon Draw Trail starting from the Lost Dutchman State Park which leads to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Cacti are seen along the Siphon Draw Trail starting from the Lost Dutchman State Park which leads to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

The Siphon Draw Trail starting from the Lost Dutchman State Park leads to the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Jackie Vallejos and her dog, Kaia, of Apache Junction, hike along the Siphon Draw Trail in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Lynn Lobdell of San Tan Valley (left) and Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, hike the route to the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, hikes the route to the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, looks on while resting during a hike to the top of the Flatiron (seen in background) in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

A hiker is seen on the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, looks on, on the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Arizona Republic staff photographer David Wallace takes a selfie on the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Arlen Frye of Phoenix looks across the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains. The route climbs 3,000 feet.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Blain Askew of Phoenix, hikes along the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Hohokam people who lived in the region about 1,500 years ago created the petroglyphs at the end of the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Hohokam people who lived in the region about 1,500 years ago created the petroglyphs at the end of the Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountains.
David Wallace/The Republic

Hiking in Phoenix: Trails from easy to expert

Wayne and Roxanne Riley of Dundas, Canada, enjoy the easy Hieroglyphic Trail in the Superstition Mountans.
David Wallace/The Republic

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The top of the Superstition Mountains Flatiron — a massive rock resembling an upside-down clothes iron — offers some of the most spectacular views in the Phoenix metro area. But getting to take in these views demands some serious legwork.

The Siphon Draw Trail starts in Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. The first mile is deceptively easy, as it involves walking through a meadow at a gradual incline. The trail grows steeper as you near the canyon until the rocks become a natural staircase. Your ascent won't end until you stand atop Flatiron or turn back.

The trail almost never flattens out. If it does, it's probably because you took a wrong turn.

You simply, climb, climb and climb some more as Flatiron grows in size. You'll have to clamber up a dry wash, push yourself up massive rocks and continue up the natural staircase as you debate which rocks look stable enough to plant your foot.

Lynn Lobdell of San Tan Valley (left) and Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, hike the route to the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

Rocks with dots spray-painted on them are signs that you're heading in the right direction. Pause if you haven't seen one in a while, as there are plenty of convincing "false trails" that lead only to dead ends.

Near the end of the hike, you will face a roughly 10-foot rock wall. Reaching the top requires some rock climbing, though there are plenty of holds to grab onto. Once that's done, prepare for what feels like the easiest stroll of your life as you make your way to Flatiron's peak.

Your Arizona travel guide

In case it isn't obvious, this isn't an easy hike. Anyone with knee problems or balance issues should give this trail a pass. There are many loose rocks and lots of gravel, so be prepared to fall on your butt a few times. Grippy, well-broken-in hiking boots will minimize the slips and falls.

That said, plenty of food, water and a bit of muscle and nerve will get you some breathtaking views — rivaled only by the sight of your car when you reach the bottom.

Hiking to the Flatiron

Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, hikes the route to the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

Getting there: From Phoenix, take U.S. 60 east to Idaho Road, then go north to State Route 88. Turn right on SR 88 and drive to the park entrance.

Karren Hatch of Queen Creek, looks on, on the top of the Flatiron in the Superstition Mountains in the Superstition Wilderness Area outside of Apache Junction on November 16, 2017. The route begins long the Siphon Draw Trail in the Lost Dutchman State Park and climbs 3000 vertical feet to the top of the Flatiron.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

Amenities: Bathrooms and drinking fountains at the trailhead parking lot. The park has a visitor center, campground and several other hiking trails.

Does your cellphone work here? Yes, though the signal weakens as you hike into the canyon. Verizon worked throughout the hike; LTE coverage was spotty.

Good place to get a post-hike meal or beverage: Hacker's Grill, 310 N. Plaza Drive, Apache Junction. It's a casual diner that can distract you from the burn in your legs.